Society of Composers and Lyricists

Society of Composers and Lyricists is a professional organization that aims to promote and support the work of composers and lyricists in the music industry, particularly in the fields of film scoring and television music, as exemplified by the works of John Williams, Hans Zimmer, and Alan Menken. The organization was founded in 1983 by a group of prominent composers, including David Raksin, Henry Mancini, and Johnny Mandel, with the goal of providing a platform for composers and lyricists to network, share ideas, and advocate for their rights, much like the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) and the Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI). The Society of Composers and Lyricists has since become a leading voice in the industry, with members including Diane Warren, Linda Perry, and Paul Williams. The organization has also worked closely with other industry groups, such as the Recording Academy and the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, to promote the work of composers and lyricists.

● History

The Society of Composers and Lyricists was established in 1983 as a response to the growing need for an organization that would specifically represent the interests of composers and lyricists in the film and television industries, as noted by Elmer Bernstein, Jerry Goldsmith, and Miklós Rózsa. The organization's early years were marked by a series of high-profile events, including a 1985 concert at the Hollywood Bowl featuring the music of Bernard Herrmann, Erich Wolfgang Korngold, and Max Steiner. The Society of Composers and Lyricists has also played a key role in promoting the work of emerging composers and lyricists, such as Alexandre Desplat, Thomas Newman, and Randy Newman, through its various workshops and mentorship programs, often in collaboration with institutions like the University of Southern California (USC) and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). The organization has also worked closely with other industry groups, such as the Film Music Institute and the Society for the Preservation of Film Music, to promote the preservation and appreciation of film music.

● Organization

The Society of Composers and Lyricists is governed by a board of directors that includes prominent composers and lyricists, such as James Horner, Howard Shore, and Shirley Walker. The organization is divided into several committees, each focused on a specific area of activity, such as advocacy, education, and community outreach, often in partnership with organizations like the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). The Society of Composers and Lyricists also has a number of chapters located throughout the United States and Canada, each of which hosts its own events and activities, such as the Toronto International Film Festival and the Vancouver Film Festival. The organization's headquarters are located in Los Angeles, where it maintains a resource center and library that are available to members, featuring the works of Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, and Cy Coleman.

● Awards

The Society of Composers and Lyricists presents several awards each year to recognize excellence in film and television music composition, including the SCL Award for Outstanding Original Score for a Studio Film, the SCL Award for Outstanding Original Song for a Studio Film, and the SCL Award for Outstanding Original Score for a Television Production, as determined by a jury of industry professionals, including John Debney, Mark Isham, and Graeme Revell. The organization also presents a number of lifetime achievement awards to composers and lyricists who have made significant contributions to the industry, such as Henry Mancini Lifetime Achievement Award and the Diane Warren Lifetime Achievement Award, which have been awarded to Quincy Jones, Burt Bacharach, and Hal David. The Society of Composers and Lyricists has also partnered with other organizations, such as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Emmy Awards, to present awards and recognize excellence in film and television music.

● Membership

Membership in the Society of Composers and Lyricists is open to professional composers and lyricists who have demonstrated a significant body of work in the film and television industries, as evidenced by the membership of Michael Giacchino, John Powell, and Hans Zimmer. The organization offers several levels of membership, including full membership, associate membership, and student membership, each with its own set of benefits and privileges, such as access to workshops and seminars featuring industry professionals like James Newton Howard, Thomas Newman, and Randy Newman. Members of the Society of Composers and Lyricists also have access to a number of resources and services, including a job bank, a directory of members, and a newsletter that features articles and interviews with industry professionals, such as Danny Elfman, Elliot Goldenthal, and Howard Shore.

● Activities

The Society of Composers and Lyricists hosts a number of events and activities throughout the year, including concerts, workshops, and seminars, often in collaboration with institutions like the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts). The organization also presents a number of panels and roundtable discussions on topics of interest to composers and lyricists, such as copyright law, contract negotiation, and career development, featuring industry professionals like Diane Warren, Linda Perry, and Paul Williams. The Society of Composers and Lyricists has also partnered with other organizations, such as the Film Music Institute and the Society for the Preservation of Film Music, to present film screenings and concerts that showcase the work of composers and lyricists, including Bernard Herrmann, Erich Wolfgang Korngold, and Max Steiner. Additionally, the organization has worked with festivals like the Sundance Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival to promote the work of emerging composers and lyricists.

Category:Music organizations